X-ray apparatus



E. s HUMPHREYS Feb. 8, 1938.

X- RAY APPARATUS l0 Sheets-Sheet l Filed ApIfil 30, 1928 I TP 1 u k '3 l0 Sheets-.-Sheet 2 E. S. HUMPHREY$ X-RAY APPARATUS Filed April 50, 1928 Feb. 8, 1938.

10 Sheets-Sheet 3 E. S. HUMPHREYS X-RAY APPARATUS Filed April 30, 1928 L .lullllIlIIIIIi-lllll Feb. 8, 1938.

Feb. 8, 19385 E. s. HUMPHREYS X-RAY APPARATUS Filed April 30, 1928 10 Sheets-Sheet 4 Feb. 8, 1938. E. s. HUMPHREYS X-RAY APPARATUS Filed April 30, 192B 10 Sheets-Sheet 5 mu 1E Feb. 8, 1938. E. s. HUMPHREYS X-RAY APPARATUS Filed April 30, 1928 10 Sheets-Sheet 6 X-RAY APPARATUS Filed April 50, 1928 10 Sheets-Sheet 7 Feb. 8, 1938. E. s. HUMPHREYS X-RAY APPARATUS Filed April 50, 1928 10 Sheets-Sheet 8 L/wwd Feb. 8, 1938. E. s. HUMPHREYS X-RAY APPARATUS Filed April 50, 1928 10 Sheets-Sheet 9 Feb. 8, 1938. E. s. HUMPHREYS X-RAY APPARATUS Fild April 50, 1928 10 Sheets-Sheet l0 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE X-RAY APPARATUS Edwin S. Humphrey's, Aurora, 111.

Application April 30, 1928, Serial No. 273,794

29 Claims.

This invention relates to an apparatus for permitting the study of the anatomy either for temporary observance or for permanent record and has special reference to an apparatus for taking a series of roentgenograms or X-ray photographs showing closely related positions in the movement of any organ of the anatomy.

More particularly, this invention relates to an apparatus comprising a casing impervious to X- rays having an unexposed film box in one end thereof and an exposed film box in the other end thereof, both of these boxes being disposed in a spaced relation and having an electrically operated shifting mechanism therebetween for gripping one of a plurality of film holding frames in the unexposed film box, presenting the film for exposure, and subsequently moving the film holding frame but of the plane of exposure into the exposed film box.

In the apparatus briefly outlined above, a plurality of film holding frames are disposed in one of the film boxes, each frame being provided with a film, the frames being moved automatically and with any desired rapidity into the plane of exposure, thereat to record various and particularly consecutive positions of movable organs of the anatomy which latter is positioned between the film and an X-ray tube.

As a practical illustration of the operation of the above noted structure, it may be desirable to obtain a number of permanent records for critical examination of the intestines at various periods of the peristaltic cycle with the patient completely relaxed. This operation must be completed quickly and without moving the patient in order to obtain the most desirable results. The peristaltic cycle is the peculiar involuntary muscular movement of the intestines or other movable organs whereby the contents thereof are propelled onward and consists of rhythmic circular contractions of the circular and longitudinal muscular fibers. In thus viewing a series of roentgenograms in consecutive positions, there is a minimum liability of error in the diagnosis because what may appear to be an abnormal or diseased condition on account of a peculiar position of the intestines in one period of its cycle may be found to be normal in the next successive positions. Further, certain positions in the cycle are better adapted for examination than others and ordinarily, it is a matter of chance to locate and to record a desired position.

In the operation of this invention, a novel, simple and efficient film holding frame is employed to replace the ordinary cassette of the prior art. As will hereinafter be apparent, at great saving may be obtained in the handling of this film holding frame and also a great saving may be obtained in time and in expense. For example, a number of frames may be furnished with films and located in the film box, the films being permitted to remain in the same frame while undergoing developing, while drying and while being subsequently viewed in the viewing cabinet or rack. Thus time in handling is minimized to a desirable degree.

As involves expense, the ordinary cassettes for holding the negatives or films as now used, are provided usually with a pair of fluorescent screens which latter speed up the time of exposure and without which the time required to expose a film would consume from three to four times as long. In the present invention, these intensifying screens are disposed in the apparatus and are omitted from the film holding frames, the one set to be used in common with all films presented for exposure. As a result, in place of one set of screens for each exposure, it is only necessary to provide one set of screens for all exposures and the subsequent saving in theoutlay for screens alone which would be necessary to take a series of roentgenograms will be sufficient to purchase the entire machine of this invention. Further, an even more beneficial result resides in the fact that a uniform exposure of all negatives will be obtained; whereas, it will be apparent that various fluorescent screens register differently and preclude a desirable uniformity in related exposures.

Unless otherwise desired, the operation of the apparatus is automatic; that is, upon the energization of the circuit, a complete cycle is instituted as when one film is exposed the shifting mechanism moves to the unexposed box and grips another film and holding frame, returns and presents the same for exposure, the latter return movement depositing the previously exposed film and holding frame into the exposed film box. These operations may be continuous whereby the cycle is completed a number of times before coming to a complete rest, and the exposure of the film may occur during the movement of the shifting mechanism.

Other objects and advantages will hereinafter be described and for a more complete understanding of the nature, characteristics and scope of this invention, reference may now be had to the following description and accompanying drawings, in which latter:

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view taken on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a central vertical sectional view taken on the line 33 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3 looking in the opposite direction and taken on the line 4-4 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary elevational view of a switch member;

Fig. 6 is a plan elevational view partially in section of the apparatus of this invention with the top cover therefor removed;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a fragmentary portion of the apparatus showing a gripping finger and its associated parts;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the gripping finger of Fig. '7 taken at an angle from the opposite side thereof;

Fig. 9 is a vertical sectional view taken laterally of the apparatus and on the lines 9-3 of Fig. 6;

Fig. 10 is a view similar to Fig. 9 looking in the opposite direction and taken on the line I0ll1 of Fig. 6;

Fig. 11 is an enlarged central sectional view of a portion of the apparatus showing more particularly the supporting mechanism thereof;

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary enlarged sectional view taken on the line l2-l2 of Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 is a view similar to Fig. 11 showing a changed position of the support and operating mechanism therefor;

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a portion of the apparatus showing particularly the guiding means and cam actuating means for the gripping finger;

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the guiding means taken at the opposite end from that of Fig. 14 showing the operating mechanism for actuating one of the gripping fingers prior to presenting the film holding frame for exposure;

Fig. 16 is a fragmentary plan view partially in section showing more particularly the gripping finger just prior to engaging a film holding frame;

Fig. 17 is a view similar to Fig. 16 showing the gripping finger in engagement with the film holding frame;

Fig. 18 is a view similar to Fig. 17 showing more particularly the cam means for operating the gripping finger;

Fig. 19 is a view of a portion of Fig. 18 showing a changed position of the elements therein;

Fig. 20 is a vertical sectional view taken on the line 2020 of Fig. 17;

Fig. 21 is a plan elevational view of a film holding frame with a film disposed therein;

Fig. 22 is a bottom plan elevational view of the film holding plate of Fig. 21;

Fig. 23 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 2323 of Fig. 21;

Fig. 24 is a plan sectional view of the unexposed film holding box;

Fig. 25 is a vertical central sectional view of the film holding box taken on the line 25-25 of Fig. 24;

Fig. 26 is a view similar to Fig. 25 showing a changed position of the movable parts thereof;

Fig. 27 is an elevational detail view of the operating mechanism of the non-exposed film holding box;

Fig. 28 is a detail sectional view taken on the line 28-28 of Fig. 25;

in... homing mm,

Fig. 30 is a vertical central sectional view taken on the line 30-30 of Fig. 29;

Fig. 31 is a view similar to Fig. 30 showing a changed position of the movable elements thereof Fig. 32 is an elevational view of the operating mechanism for the exposed film box; and

Fig. 33 is a Wiring diagram of the electrical control circuit for the operation of the apparatus.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, the apparatus of this invention comprises a lead sheathed casing which is fully enclosed and impervious to X-rays. The top and side walls of the lead-sheathed casing may be composed of spaced metal walls having lead plates and felt packing disposed therebetween. This structure may be supported upon a common sheet metal base, the ends of which latter are preferably formed to provide a spaced relation with the platform upon which it may rest. The top plate I0 is preferably hinged to the side walls or may be removably secured thereto and has an exposure area transparent to X-rays comprising a window 35 disposed centrally longitudinally and laterally thereof.

An auxiliary housing 36 is mounted on one side of the casing for containing a portion of the operating mechanism. This mechanism comprises a motor 31 which is secured to the side wall of the casing in any suitable manner, the motor having a worm 38 fixedly mounted on the motor shaft thereof. A Worm wheel 39, engaging the worm 38, is fixedly mounted on a stud shaft 40 on the casing, the latter shaft in turn having a pinion 4i fixedly mounted thereon for engaging a pinion 42 rotatably mounted on a stud shaft also extending from the side wall of the casing. A gear 43 is suitably mounted on a stud shaft extending from the side wall of the casing and obtains an oscillating movement by means of a connecting rod 44 suitably connected between the gears 43 and 42, the gear 42 making a complete revolution to oscillate the gear 43. The gear 43, being of a substantially larger diameter than the pinion 45 which it engages, rotates the pinion 45 for a number of revolutions in one direction as it oscillates in one direction and thereafter rotates the pinion 45 in a reverse direction to its original position as it oscillates in the other direction. Pinion 45 is fixedly mounted on a shaft 46 which latter extends through the casing and is journalled in both side walls thereof.

The shaft 46 is the initial actuating means for the mechanism to be hereafter described and is disposed on the interior of the casing as shown more particularly in Figs. 3 and 4 of the drawings. A pair of gears 41 and 48 are fixedly mounted on the shaft 46 adjacent opposite side walls of the casing respectively for engagement with a pair of pinions 49 and 53 respectively, the latter pinions being mounted on stud shafts extending from their respective side walls. A pinion 5] is also fixedly mounted on the shaft 45 adjacent the gear 41 and engages a gear 52 which latter is mounted on a stud shaft extending from the side wall of the casing and is disposed in a spaced relation therewith. Thus we have a proximate motivating force in the gears 49, 5D and 52 for operating respectively a shifting mechanism and a compressor plate or supporting mechanism which latter will now be described.

The compressor plate 53 comprises a platform which is movable vertically and is disposed in the plane of exposure directly beneath the Window 35 of the casing. The platform preferably comprises an aluminum plate 54 on top of which is disposed a felt pad 55. A fluorescent screen 56 is fixed to the top of the felt pad and a second fluorescent screen 51 is secured to the underneath side of the aluminum plate 54. A plurality of guide rods 58 are secured to the preferably rectangularly shaped supporting platform, one to each corner thereof, and extend through apertures in guide brackets 59 which latter are suitably fixed to the side walls of the casing as shown more particularly in Figs. 9 and 18 of the drawings.

The compressor plate 53 preferably cooperates with a bakelite panel 68 secured to the underneath side of the outer metal casing to enclose .the window 35, the panel extending beyond the confines thereof. Suitable brackets 6| hold the bakelite panel 60 in a snug relation with the underneath side of the casing. screen 82 is mounted on the underneath side of the panel 69 and conforms in size and shape to the supporting platform 53. It may here be stated that the vertical movement of the compressor plate 53 holds the unexposed film in a snug engagement with the bakelite panel and between the fluorescent screens 56 and 62 while the film is being exposed.

In order to operate the compressor plate or supporting platform into its upper and lower positions, a bracket 63 is pivotally and eccentrically mounted as at 64 to the gear 52, the bracket 53 having an extension 65 preferably integrally formed thereon on which latter an elongated U-shaped member is secured having a pair of spaced cars 66 and 67. A shaft 68 extends through and is journalled in apertures in the ears 53 and 61 and is pivotally secured at one end, as at 69, to a pivotally mounted actuating member III, the actuating member being pivoted as at II to the side wall of the casing. A collar I2 is mounted on the shaft 68 and is adjustably secured thereto by means of the set screws I3. A pair of spring members I4 and I5 are mounted on each side of the collar I2 and extend therefrom to engage the ears 56 and 6?, respectively. It will be noted that one end of the shaft 68 is pivotally mounted and that the other end thereof is free, there being no fixed relation between the shaft 68 and the bracket 83 except as through the spring members I4 and I5.

As the gear 52 is oscillated, the bracket 83 moves either in a direction toward the pivotal connection 69 or away therefrom. When the bracket 63 is moved toward the pivotal connection 89, the ear 81 engages the spring I5, having engagement with the spring retaining collar I2, so as to effect the compression thereof in a direction toward the pivotal connection 89, and when the compression of the spring I5 is great enough the actuating member ID is pivoted on its pivot II as, for example, from the position A fluorescent movement of the actuating member III by means of an oscillatory movement of the gear 52.

The actuating member III is provided with an arm I6 to which is pivotally connected a pair of link members I! and I8, the latter link member being fixedly secured to a shaft I9 extending between and being journalled in the side walls of the casing. A pair of link members 89 are likewise fixedly mounted on the shaft I9, one of said link members being disposed adjacent either side of the side walls of the casing and being connected to link members 8| which latter are in turn pivotally mounted on brackets 82 secured to the aluminum plate 54. A link member 83 is secured to the shaft I9 adjacent one of the side walls and is connected by means of a connecting link 84 and a link 85 to a shaft 85 which latter extends between and is journalled in the side walls of the casing, the link 85 being fixedly secured to the shaft 86. A pair of link members 81 are fixedly secured to the shaft 86, one of said link members being disposed adjacent each side wall of the casing, these link members extending to be connected to a pair of link members 88 which latter are in turn pivotally connected to brackets 89.

In the operation of this latter described mechanism when the actuating member I9 is pivoted, the link members II and I8 impart a partial rotation to the shaft "I9. The link member 83 being fixedly connected to the shaft I9 imparts a partial rotation to the shaft 86 through the link members 84 and 85. Thus, a partial rotation of the shafts I9 and 86 imparts a vertical movement to the supporting platform 53 through their respective link members 808l and 8I-88.

Inasmuch as the shifting mechanism cooperates with the supporting mechanism, the former gripping a film in the unexposed film box and depositing the same on the supporting platform for exposure, the shifting mechanism will now be described: A guide bar 90 is disposed adjacent each side wall of the casing, the upper and lower edges thereof engaging grooves 9| and 92 in a pair of vertically and longitudinally spaced roll ers 93 and 94, respectively, the latter members being rotatably mounted on the side walls of the casing. A rack 95 is fixedly secured to one side of the guide bar 90 and engages the pinion 49. This construction is shown particularly in Figs. l6, l7 and 20 of the drawings. Upon a rotation of the pinion 49, it will be apparent that the guide bar 98 will be moved longitudinally of the casing in one direction to be returned to its original position by a movement of the pinion 49 in a reverse direction.

A bracket 96 is secured to one side of the guide bar 99 and extends laterally therefrom or at right angles thereto. An arm 91 is pivotally mounted on the underneath side of the bracket 95 and has a roller 98 mounted on the free end thereof to engage the edge of a guide bar 99 as the bracket 96 travels transversely of the apparatus. The pivotal arm 91 has an upwardly projecting lip I00 to which is secured a finger llll with a lip I02 at the outermost portion of one end thereof which latter engages a recessed portion 533 of a film holding frame I04. The other end of the finger is curved as at I05 to provide a bearing surface for engaging the rear edge of a film holding frame after the same has been in the plane of exposure.

The gripping finger extends above the bracket 96 and rides on a ledge portion H16. As the grip- 1.11115 11112561 ktppLUdUJJUb 011C 11.111111 UL 1115 SIJLUKU 111 one direction preparatory to gripping the film holding frame, the roller 98 rides upon a cam arm I01 as shown more particularly in Fig. 18, this position likewise being shown in Fig. 16, to pivot the gripping finger in a direction so that the lip I02 passes outside the confines of the film holding frame I04. The roller 98 thereafter is directed downwardly by the inclined surface on the cam arm I01 against the guide bar 99 whereafter the gripping finger is permitted to pivot back to its normal position whereupon the lip I02 engages the notch I03. The arm 01, on which the roller 98 is mounted, is held in a normal position whereby the roller 98 engages the guide bar 99 by means of a spring member I08 secured to the guide bar 90 at one end thereof, the free end ill of member I08 being connected to the vertically extending portion I 00 of the arm 91 by means of a link I09.

In order that the cam arm I01 does not release the gripping finger from the film holding frame I04 in the movement of the frame in a direction to the supporting platform, the arm I01 is pivotally secured to the underneath side of the guide bar 99 as at IIO and is held in an outwardly extended position such as is shown in Fig. 18 by means of a pivotally mounted lever arm III, the latter being provided with a notch for engaging a projecting ear II2 of the cam arm I01. The lever III is held in a position against the cam arm I01 by means of a spring tensioning element II3.

When the roller 98 engages the lever III, the former moves the latter out of engagement with the cam arm I01, this position being shown in Fig. 19, whereafter the cam arm will be pivoted inwardly by the movement of the roller 98 in its rearward movement, the spring tension inherent in the fiat resilient lever I08 causing the roller 98 to bear against the cam arm I01. As the cam arm I01 is moved inwardly, one end of the lever I08, wh ch latter is in engagement with the cam arm I01 is likewise caused to move inwardly and, being pivotally mounted on the guide arm 99 at a central point thereof, causes the other end I I3 to move outwardly beyond the confines of the guide bar 99. As the roller 08 continues its movement to the left of its position shown in Fig. 19, the roller engages the end I153 of the lever I 08 causing the same to pivot in an opposite direction whereby the end I I4 pivots the cam arm I01 back into the position as is shown in Fig. 18 whereby the projecting ear II2 engages the notch in the member III to hold the cam arm I01 in its normal operative position. Thus, it will be seen that a movement of the roller 98 in a direction to the right of the drawings, will ride up the incline of the cam arm I01 to pivot the gripping finger so as to be in a position to engage the film holding frame whereafter the roller 93 rides down the incline of the cam arm I01 continuing its movement in the same direction to engage the member I I I which latter action releases the projecting ear II2 therefrom to permit the roller 98 to push the cam arm I01 to its normal inoperative position thereby to permit the gripping finger to grip the film holding frame and move the latter to the left.

After the gripping finger has reached a predetermined position carrying with it the film holding frame I04, the roller 90 engages a cam surface II5 formed on the opposite end of the guide bar 99 to again pivot the arm 91, and consequently, the gripping finger IOI to a position such 0112111 0116 up IUL ulbuuga-gcn [111C HUI/U11 IUO. 1.1115 position is reached at the limit of the movement of the guide bar 90 on rack 95 in its direction to the left and an opening in the channel shaped end of the supporting ledge I06 is provided to permit of the pivoting of the gripping finger IOI. A film holding frame is thus deposited on the compressor plate 53 and the gripping finger is then ready to present a new film holding frame after the present film holding frame has been exposed. The dotted line position of the gripping finger as shown in Fig. 16 represents the limit of the movement of the gripping finger in the direction to the left whereafter a new cycle of operation may be obtained, the gripping finger moving to the right to grip another film holding frame and in returning the curved portion I05 thereof engages the end of the previously exposed film and pushes the same to the left where it is deposited in the exposed film holding box.

In order that the film holding frame I04 which has been deposited on the supporting platform be aligned in the plane of exposure, a second pair of notches H6 is provided, one on each rear end of the film holding frame I04 opposite to the forward end on which the notches I03 are disposed. A stop member H1 is secured to a resilient member I I8, the latter in turn being slidably mounted at one end thereof in a bracket II9, the latter bracket being fixed to the wall I20 upon which the ledge portion I06 is formed. The resilient member H8 is held in a normally extended position by means of a coil spring I2I disposed between a lip formed at right angles to the bracket H9 and a bracket I22 secured to the resilient member H8. The free end of the resilient member H8 is bent inwardly or away from the outer wall of the casing and extends through an aperture in the wall I20, this inwardly extending portion I23 engaging the gripping finger in order to hold the stop member II'I out of engagement with the notch member I03 as the film holding plate is carried to the supporting platform. However, the stop member I I1 will be held in such an inoperative position until the notch I I B of the film holding frame comes into alignment therewith whereafter the stop member is urged thereinto by reason of the member I I8 being resilient. The momentum of the film holding frame I04 in its movement to the supporting platform is taken up by the coil spring I2I, the frame I04 being permitted to pass slightly beyond the plane of exposure whereafter the coil spring I2I exerts sufficient energy to carry the film holding frame back directly into the plane of exposure which latter position is obtained by reason of the stop I24 provided on the resilient member H0 engaging the end of the bracket II9. Inasmuch as all of these movable elements previously recited relating to the shifting mechanism are duplicated on the other side of the apparatus, the same ref- I erence characters and the same description will apply to corresponding parts.

The film holding frame I04 preferably comprises a plurality of channel shaped frame members I25 connected together at their adjacent ends by means of angle brackets I26. The connection may be provided by bending the walls of the channel members over the reduced portions of the brackets as shown in Fig. 23. The angle brackets I26 are provided with the hereinbefore described notches I03 and IIS and in addition thereto notches I21. A spring member I28 is disposed between the side walls of the channel member and comprises a stiff wire having one end thereof extending through the inner wall and having a hooked portion I29 on the extreme outer end thereof for engaging an aperture in one corner of the film I30. Similar spring members are disposed adjacent one end of each of the channel members I25 thereby providing a securing means for each corner of the film I30. These springs may be of any desired shape although it has been found preferable to form a loop at the opposite end to that of the hooked end and enclosing the same by means of the end of the loop extending through the channel wall. By means of this construction, a perfect tension may be obtained on the film; that is, the spring may exert a tension on the film in four different directions and thereby eliminate any warping of the film. Further, this construction acts as a centering means for the film.

The plates I04 before exposure are disposed in a container I3I comprising a sheet metal box of a size to snugly engage one end of the casing, the bottom of the box or container being hinged as at I32 to one of the side walls thereof and held in a closed position by means of an ordinary spring catch I 33. The bottom is preferably composed of a pair of spaced sheet metal members having a lead plate therebetween in order that any secondary rays from the X-ray tube shall not enter and fog the films. The top and side walls of the casing being impervious to X-ray, it is not necessary that the side walls and top of the container I3I be lead sheathed.

As shown more particularly in Figs. 24 to 2'7, inclusively, a plurality of film holding frames are disposed in the container I3I, while the latter is in an inverted position, the angle brackets I26 resting on lips provided in the four corners of the container which lips will hereinafter be more fully described. An opening I34 is provided in the forward and upper end of the container I3I, when in an upright position, and extends laterally across the entire front wall and partially across the side walls. This opening is enclosed by means of a pate I35 extending in guides 36 which latter are secured to the side walls and extend but a short distance across the front wall in a spaced relation therefrom and from the side Walls to permit the plate I35 to be guided therebetween. The plate I 35 is operated into an open and a closed position by means of a lever arm I31 which is pivotally mounted on a rod I38 extending across the container and journalled in the side walls thereof. The free end I39 of the lever arm I31 engages a notched portion I40 of the plate I35.

When the rod I 38 is given a partial rotation, the end I39 of the lever I31 operates the plate I35 into an open or a closed position. Inasmuch as the plate I35 should normally remain in a closed position, a coil spring I M is disposed in a housing I 32 which latter is secured to the top wall ad'- jacent each side wall of the casing as by means of screws and bolts I43. One end of the coil spring I4I engages the rear wall of the casing and the other end thereof engages an ear I44 of an actuating arm I45. One end of the actuating arm I45 engages a cam surface I46 of the lever I3"! and urges the end I39 upwardly to close the opening I34. Therefore, in order to draw the plate 535 away from the opening I34, the cam surface I46 exerts a pressure against the actuating arm M5 to compress the spring I M The previously described mechanism for op erating the closure plate I35 is duplicated on both sides of the container I3I and therefore like reference numerals will apply to corresponding elements. The upper ends of the portions of the guides I36 extending across the front wall are bent at right angles to form ears I41 against which the forward connecting brackets I26 are urged. The rear connecting brackets I26 are urged against ears I48 preferably formed integrally on the ends of the actuating arms I45. Ears I 49, similar in size and shape to the ears I48, are fixedly mounted on the side wall of the container I3I and in a normal closed position of the container are arranged in a staggered vertical relation with the ears I48 and directly thereabove. The normal inoperative position of the container is shown clearly in Fig. 25 of the drawings, wherein a plurality of plates are urged against the ears I41 and I48 by means of the compressionsprings I50, the latter being fixedly secured to the bottom hinged cover. The upper end of the springs I50 have a frame I5I secured thereto conforming substantially to the size and shape of the frame members and resting thereagainst.

It has previously been recited that the gripping fingers IOI at one of the limits of their stroke engage the film holding frames I04 to present them to the supporting platform for exposure. Just prior to the time at which the gripping finger reaches the limit of its stroke, the rod I 38 is given a partial rotation to clear the opening I34 so that the lip portion I02 of the gripping finger may engage the notch I03 of the film holding frame. As shown in Fig. 25 the film holding frame is not in position for gripping for the reason that it is not in the planeof the opening.

However, in Fig. 26 the actuating arm I45 has been urged, against the tension of the coil spring I4I, to the right whereby the ear I 48 registers with the opening II6 to permit the film holding plate to engage the ear I49. A further movement of the actuating arm I45 permits the ear I48 to move the film holding frame I04 rear- Wardly until the ears I48 and I49 are in alignment whereupon the film holding frame is urged upwardly past the ears by the spring I50 to engage and rest against the housing members I42. The movement rearwardly of the film holding frame I04 of course permits the connecting bracket I26 to disengage the forward lip I4'I. Thus a film holding frame I04 is presented in alignment with the opening I34 and may be withdrawn by means of the gripping fingers IOI engaging notches I03. A new film holding frame I04 is now engaged by the lips I41 and I48. This cycle of operation may be repeated indefinitely, that is, anyone or a number of the film holding frames deposited in the container may be withdrawn in rapid succession.

The film holding frame I04 is next presented for exposure as has hereinbefore been recited, whereafter it is automatically deposited in a receiving container I52. This latter container comprises a sheet metal box similar in all respects to the previously described container with the exception of the operating mechanism. An opening I52 is provided in the upper rear wall of the container and extends laterally thereof and part way around the side walls. This opening is normally closed by means of a plate I53. vertically slidable in guide members I54 similarly secured in the container as previously recited with reference to guide members I36.

An operating lever I55 is fixedly mounted on a rod I56 which latter extends across the casing of. The end I51 of the lever I55 engages an aperture I58 in the closure plate I53 and operates the closure member I53 into an open or closed position with reference to the opening I 52. The plate I53 is normally held in a closed position with reference to the opening I52 by means of a spring member I59 secured to the top side of the container, and having a looped portion extending therefrom, one end thereof bearing against a rod I66 and exerting a pressure thereagainst in a downward direction. The rod I60 is fixedly secured to the opposite free end I6I of the lever I55 and extends through longitudinally extending resting plates I62. Normally, the resting plates I62 are in a lowered position as shown in Fig. 30, one end thereof being limited in its downward movement by a bracket I63, and the normal inoperative position of the rod I60 acting as a second limit. The opposite end of the resting plate I62 is tapered upwardly to act as a guide for the film holding frames as they are deposited in the container.

In order to receive an exposed film and its film holding frame, the closure plate I53 is moved downwardly by means of a rotation of the rod 556 just prior to the gripping fingers reaching the limit of their movement in the direction toward the container. As the closure plate I53 moves downwardly the rod I60, being carried by the other end of the lever I55, moves upwardly against the tension of the spring I59 and carries with it the resting plates I62 into a position wherein the plates bear against the upper wall of the container such as is shown in Fig. 31.

The film holding frame I04 is moved through the opening I52 by the portion I of the gripping finger and is clamped in position within the container by means of the depressed end I64 of the spring I59. Inasmuch as a comparatively great amount of clearance may be required in moving the film holding frame into the container, spring centering guides I65 are provided. The guides I65 are secured at one end thereof to the side walls of the container and extend inwardly therefrom.

After the film holding frame has been inserted in this manner, as shown in Fig. 31, the rod I56 is partially rotated in an opposite direction whereby the resting plates I62 move downwardly on the rod I68 as the enclosure plate I53 moves upwardly to close the opening I52. The downward movement of the resting plates moves the film holding frame I04 downwardly beneath the guides I65 at the rear end of the container and spring clips I66 at the front end of the container, the notches 121 being in alignment with the spring clips I66. The film holding frames are urged upwardly against the spring guides I65 and the spring clips I66 by means of a spring i6? secured to the pivoted bottom cover, thereafter when the resting plates I62 are moved upwardly to receive another film holding frame, the previously received film holding frames are held ina secured position.

The rods I38 and I56 of the unexposed and exposed film containers respectively are operated by means of linkage mechanism connected to the actuator 10. A segmental member I68 is fixedly secured to the rod I38 on the outside side of the container and has a notch on the arcuate surface thereof for receiving a pin I69, the latter pin being formed preferably integrally on a bracket I10. The bracket I is, in turn, slidably mounted in a guide member HI and is connected by integrally formed on the actuator 10.

A second segmental member I13 is mounted on the rod I56 on the outside side of the receiving container and has a notch in its peripheral edge to receive a pin I14 carried by a bracket I which latter engages a guide I16 and is slidable longitudinally thereof. The bracket I15 is connected by means of a link I11 to an ear on the actuator, the latter ear being diametrically disposed relative to the ear to which the link I12 is secured. When the actuator 10 is pivoted on the pin H, the links I12 and I11 are extended away from each other or toward each other to actuate the segmental members I68 and I13, respectively, which, of course, provides for the opening-and closing of the enclosure plates I 35 and I53 and the other hereinbefore recited operating mechanism of the containers.

During a cycle of operation, the motor 31 is energized to operate the various operating mechanisms hereinbefore recited and it is desirable upon the deenergization of the motor after the completion of a cycle to terminate the movement of the movable parts substantially simultaneously therewith. In order to accomplish the aforementioned result, a pair of adjustable screws I18 and I19 are mounted on the bracket 63 which latter, as hereinbefore recited, is eccentrica-lly and pivotally mounted on the gear 52. As the gear 52 is given a partial rotation, the end of either of the adjustable screws I18 or I19 engages the free end of a pivotally mounted lever I80 to move the latter upwardly. A lug I8 I, diametrically opposed relative to the pivotal point of the lever I80, engages a pivotally mounted brake shoe I82 which latter cooperates with the periphery of a brake drum I 83;

The brake drum I83 is mounted on a shaft I84 which latter is journalled in and extends through the side wall of the casing. A pinion I85 is fixedly mounted on the shaft I84 and engages the teeth I86 described axially about the pivot H on the periphery of the actuator 10. Upon the operation of the actuator 10 in either direction, the gear 52 oscillates to bring the adjustable screws I18 or I19 into engagement with the lever I80 to release the brake I 82 from the brake shoe I 83. Normally, a spring I84 secured to the underneath side of the bracket 59 urges the brake shoe I82 into a firm engagement with the brake drum I83 and the adjustable screws I18 and I19 merely operate to release the tension on the brake drum whereafter it is immediately applied.

The shaft I84, previously recited, is journalled in and extends through the casing and has an arm I81 fixedly mounted thereon on the outside side of the casing wall within the auxiliary housing 36. A link member I88 is pivotally connected to the free end of the arm I81 and extends to be pivotally connected to the free end of an arm I89 which latter is pivotally mounted on a stud shaft I90. A ratchet wheel NH and an armature I93 are fixedly mounted on the stud shaft I90, the arm I89 carrying a spring pressed pawl I94 for engagement with the ratchet wheel I9I.

When the shaft I84 is rotated by the actuator 18, the arm I89 is partially rotated and the pawl I94 moves the ratchet wheel I8I and the armature I93 to a new position. A movement of the shaft I84 in the opposite direction permits the pawl I 93 to slide past the teeth of the ratchet whereby the ratchet wheel and armature remains in its moved position by reason of the stationary spring pressed pawl I 95 engaging the teeth of the ratchet lSl. A plurality of spaced brush members I95, i9? and {98 are disposed peripherally of the armature I93 and engage the periphery thereof.

The armature 93 is composed of a plurality of segments I99, 256, 26! and 292, the segments being insulated from each other. Referring now more particularly to Fi 33, it will be noted that the brush members I96 and I9! are connected in circuit due to their engaging a common segment 26!. When the arm 2% of the two-way switch engages the contact member 264, an electrical circuit exists from one side of the line through brush lQl, segment 29L brush I93, contact 2134, arm 263, the motor 31 to the other side of the line thereby energizing the motor. The motor 31, in turn, actuates the train of mechanism previously described to rotate the armature I93 through a quarter revolution whereby the brush members is? and I98 engage a common segment 299. However, an electrical circuit is not made therethrough and the motor is deenergized until the two-way switch is operated to move the arm 263 in engagement with the contact member 205. Whoreaiter an electrical circuit exists from one side of the line through the brush I91, segment brush 98, contact 295, arm 203, the motor 3? to the other side of the arm. The motor, being energized, operates again in a manner as previously recited.

The above noted construction and mechanism have been recited with reference to the adaptation thereof to the study of the anatomy for permanent record by means of making X-ray expo sures. However, tlus structure may likewise be adapted for use for temporary observance as in fluoroscopic work. For this reason, a slidable door has been disposed in the plane of exposure, that is, directly beneath the panel 69 and the supporting platform in guideways in the bottom of the casing. A ground glass may be inserted therein to receive the rays of the X-ray tube. Although not shown, it may be desirable to position a plurality of mirrors disposed angularly to the ground glass plate to reflect the picture on the plate to a position in front of the apparatus. This arrangement is not shown in the present construction as it is not believed to be desirable to further complicate this showing.

While but a. single embodiment of this invention is herein shown and described, it is to be understood that various modifications thereof may be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention, and therefore the same is to be limited solely by the scope of the prior art and the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A device comprising a casing having an exposure area, a container housing, a plurality of unexposed photographic plates in said container housing, a supporting platform in the path of said exposure area, a shifting mechanism for transferring one of said plates to said supporting platform for exposure, a motor for operating sa d shifting mechanism, and mechanism for terminating the operation of said motor upon the completion of a cycle of operation on said unexposed plates.

2. A device comprising a container housing, a plurality of photographic plates in said housin to be presented for successive radiographic exposures, stop members for limiting the movement of said plates, resilient means for urging said plates against said stop members, and automatic means for operating certain of said stop members to release one of said plate members for radiographic exposure.

8. A device comprising a container housing, a plurality of photographic plates in said housing to be presented for successive radiographic exposures, stationary and movable stop members for limiting the movement of said plates, resilient means for urging said plates against said stop members, and automatic means for operating said movable stop members to release one of said plate members for radiographic exposure.

i. A device comprising a lead sheathed casing having an opening therein, a panel for enclosing said opening and being transparent to X-rays, a movable platform in the path of said opening and cooperating with said panel, a container housing, a plurality'of photographic plates in said container housing, means for successively releasing said plates, a shifting mechanism for successively presenting said plates to said movable platform to be clamped thereon for exposure, and a common actuating means for operat ing said releasing means, said shifting mechanism said movable platform.

5. A device comprising, the combination with a casing, there being an exposure area in said casing, a plurality of photographic plates stacked in said casing, a compressor plate movable in the plane of said exposure area to sustain a photographic plate thereon, resilient means for centering photographic plates on said compressor plate, and means for actuating said compressor plate to momentarily sustain a photographic plate against said exposure area.

6. A device comprising the combination with a casing having an exposure area, of a pair of containers removably associated with said casing, plate holders adapted for stacked confinement in said containers, each of said containers having a slot along a wall thereof to enable the passage of plate holders therethrough, resilient means for urging the uppermost holder in one of said containers in the path of its slot, closures for said slots, means for normally maintaining said closures over said slots, and means for intermittently operating said closures and shifting said plate holders along a predetermined path from one container to the interior of the other container.

7. A device comprising, the combination with a casing, of a pair of containers removably associated with said casing, plate holders adapted for stacked confinement in said containers, each of said containers having a slot along confronting walls thereof to enable the successive passagepf plate holders from one to the other, means for urging the end plate holder in one container in the path of its slot, closures normally covering said slot, means for intermittently operating said closures, means for withdrawing plate holders from one of said containers and effecting the transfer thereof along a predetermined path to the other of said containers timed relation with said closure operating means, and a fluorescent screen mounted in said casing between said continers to enable the exposure of the plates in their holders during intermittent travel thereof.

8. Ad-evice comprising, the combination with a casing, of a pair of containers removably mounted in said casing, plate holders adapted for stacked confinement in said containers, each of said containers having a slot along confronting Walls thereof to enable the successive passage or" plate holders from one to the other, means for urging of its slot, closures normally covering said slots, means for intermittently operating said closures, means for withdrawing plate holders from one of said containers, a compressor plate for receiving said plate holders as they are withdrawn, a portion of said withdrawing means transferring said plate holders from said compressor plate to the other of said containers, and means for operating said closure and withdrawing means in timed relation.

9. A device comprising, the combination with a casing, of a pair of containers removably associated with said casing, plate holders adapted for stacked confinement in said containers, each of said containers having a slot along confronting walls thereof to enable the successive passage of plate holders from one to the other, means for normally urging the end plate holder in one of said containers within the path of its slot, closures for normally covering said slots, means for intermittently removing said closures from said slots, means for withdrawing plate holders successively from one of said containers to a position of rest between said containers, a portion of said withdrawing means transferring the plate holder from the resting position to the other of said containers in timed relation with said closure operating means, a fluorescent screen mounted in the wall of said casing in the plane of the plate holdcrs resting position to enable the exposure thereof, a compressor plate holder support beneath said fluorescent screen, to support a plate thereon in its resting position, and link means for reciprocating said compressor plate against said fluorescent screen during the exposure of the plate.

10. A device comprising a container housing, a plurality of photographic plates in said housing, a conveying mechanism for said plates, means in said container housing for releasing said plates in successive intermittent timed relation, and means on said conveying mechanism for presenting said released plates for exposure.

11. A device comprising a container housing, a plurality of unexposed photographic plates in said container housing, a carrier mechanism, means in said container housing for releasing one of said plates, and automatic means for operating said releasing means and said carrier mechanism to present said released plate for exposure.

12. A device comprising a casing having an exposure area, a pair of spaced containers in said casing, a plurality of unexposed photographic plates stacked in one of said containers, a shifting mechanism therebetween for selectively presenting said plates in succession from the stacked container for exposure and transfer to the other of said containers, and means for automatically operating said shifting means in regular predetermined timed sequence.

13. A device comprising a casing having an exposure area, a pair of spaced containers in said casing, a plurality of unexposed photographic plates stacked in one of said containers, the other container serving to receive exposed photographic plates, a supporting platform in the path of said exposure area, a shifting mechanism for successively transferring said unexposed plates from the stacked container to the supporting platform for exposure, and means on said shifting mechanism for transferring the exposed plates to the other of said containers in a cycle of successive operations.

14. A device comprising a casing having an exunexposed photographic plates confined in said container housing, a supporting platform in the path of said exposure area, a shifting mechanism for transferring one of said plates to the supporting platform for exposure, a motor circuit, a motor in said circuit for operating said shifting mechanism, a two way switch in the motor circuit, and mechanism for ceasing the operation of said motor upon the completion of a cycle of operations.

15. A device comprising a casing having an exposure area, a container in said casing, a plurality of unexposed photographic plates confined in said container, means for successively releasing said plates from said container, a shifting mechanism for successively presenting said released plates to said exposure area, and means for actuating said releasing means and said shifting mechanism in timed relation to efiect successive release and exposure of said plates.

16. A device comprising a lead sheathed casing having an exposure area transparent to X-rays, detached photographic plates stacked in said casing, a movable compressor plate in the path of said exposure area, means for successively transferring said photographic plates to said compressor plate for exposure, means for centering said photographic plates on said compressor plate, and means to render said compressor plate operative to clamp successive photographic plates in a firm position during exposure.

1'7. A device comprising a lead sheathed casing having an exposure area transparent to X-rays, detachable photographic plates stacked in said casing, a movable compressor plate in the path of said exposure area, means for successively shifting said photographic plates to said compressor plate for exposure, means responsive to the predetermined operation of said shifting means for operating said compressor plate vertically to receive and clamp said photographic plates in a firm position during exposure, and spring means for centering said photographic plates on said compressor plate prior to the clamping action.

18. A device comprising a lead sheathed casing having an opening therein, a panel for enclosing said opening Without affecting permeability, a plurality of detached unexposed photographic plates stacked in said casing, a movable compressor plate in the path of said opening and said panel, power driven means for successively shifting said photographic plates to said compressor plate, means for centering said photographic plates on said compressor plate, and means rcsponsive to said shifting means for clamping said photographic plates in a firm position for exposure between said panel and compressor plate.

19. A device comprising a lead sheathed casing having an opening therein, a plurality of detached unexposed plates in said casing, a panel for enclosing said opening without alfecting X-ray permeability, a movable platform in the plane of said opening and cooperating with said panel, fluorescent screens disposed on each of the cooperating surfaces of said panel and said platform, and means for successively shifting said photographic plates to said movable platform and between said fluorescent screens, means for centering said photographic plates between said fluorescent screens, and means for displacing said movable platform to clamp said photographic plates in centered position.

20. A device comprising a casing impermeable 15 to light rays, there being an exposure opening in said casing, a container removably associated with said casing, photographic plates arranged in stacked relation within said container, and mechanically operated means for successively shifting said plates in timed sequence to effectregular predetermined succession to said casing opening for timed exposure thereof.

21. In an X-ray device the combination with a casing, containers removably associated with said casing for confining a plurality of photographic films, photographic films stacked in one of said containers, there being an exposure area in said casing between said containers, means in said stacked container for successively releasing one of said photographic plates, and means for shifting the released photographic films from the stacked container to the other container across said exposure area.

22. In an X-ray device the combination with a casing, containers removably associated with said casing for confining a plurality of photographic films, photographic films stacked in one of said containers, there being an exposure area in said casing between said containers, means in said stacked container for successively releasing one of said photographic plates, and means for shifting the released photographic films from the stacked container to the other container across said exposure area, said last named container having a photographic plate receiving opening, a closure for said photographic plate receiving opening, and means for normally urging said closure over said plate receiving opening.

23. In an X-ray device the combination with a casing, containers removably associated with said casing for confining a plurality of photographic films, photographic films stacked in one of said containers, there being an exposure area in said casing between said containers, means in said stacked container for successively releasing one of said photographic plates, and means for shifting the released photographic films from the stacked container to the other container across said exposure area, said last named container having a photographic plate receiving opening, a closure for said photographic plate receiving opening, means for normally urging said closure over said plate receiving opening, and means responsive to said shifting means to momentarily remove said container closure from said receiving opening to admit an exposed photographic plate therethrough for placement in said receiving container.

24. In a device of the character described, the combination with a casing, there being an ex posure area in said casing, a compressor plate movable in the plane of said exposure area, a plurality of photographic plates stacked in said casing, means for successively transferring said photographic plates to said compressor plate for exposure, means for centering the photographic plates on said compressor plate, and means for actuating said compressor plate in timed relation with said transferring means to firmly sustain said photographic plates during exposure.

25. A serial roentgenogram device comprising a body, a chamber for cassettes at each end of said body, a carrier intermediate said chambers, and a chamber unloading stop, said carrier and said stop being adapted to be moved in the same direction, the movement of said stop being of less magnitude and incidental to the movement of said carrier.

26. A serial roentgenogram device comprising a body, a chamber at each end of said body, film supporting means adapted for initial stacked confinement in one of said chambers, a carrier intermediate said chambers, means for sustaining said film supporting means in said chambers, and a chamber unloading stop mechanism, means for guiding said carrier and said unloading mechanism for movement in the same direction, the movement of said unloading stop mechanism being of less magnitude and incidental to the movement of said carrier.

27. A serial roentgenogram device comprising a body, a chamber at each end of said body, film supporting means adapted for initial stacked confinement in one of said chambers, a carrier intermediate said chambers, means for sustaining said film supporting means in said chambers, a chamber unloading stop mechanism, means for guiding said carrier and said unloading mechanism for movement in the same direction, the movement of said unloading stop mechanism being incidental to the movement of said carrier, and means for shifting said carrier in a predetermined direction for successively transferring said film supporting means from one chamber to the other.

28. A serial roentgenogram device comprising a body, a chamber at each end of said body, an exposure area provided in said body intermediate said chambers, film supporting means adapted for initial stacked confinement in one of said chambers, a carrier intermediate said chambers, means for sustaining said film supporting means in said chambers, a chamber unloading stop mechanism, means for guiding said carrier and said unloading mechanism for movement in the same direction, the movement of said unloading stop mechanism being incidental to the movement of said carrier, and means for shifting said carrier in a predetermined direction for successively transferring said film supporting means from one chamber to said exposure area and then to the other chamber.

29. A serial roentgenogram device comprising a body, a chamber at each end of said body, an exposure area provided in said body intermediate said chambers, film supporting means adapted for initial stacked confinement in one of said chambers, a carrier intermediate said chambers, means for retaining said film supporting means in said chambers against accidental displacement, means for singly unloading said film supporting means from initial stacked confinement in said chamber, means for guiding said carrier and said unloading means for movement in the same direction, and means for shifting said carrier and said unloading means in a predetermined direction for successively transferring single film supporting means from one chamber to said exposure area and then to the other chamber.

EDWIN S. HUMPHREYS. 

